Exploring the Best of New York State: Road Tripping from Auburn to Buffalo
If you're looking for the perfect summer road trip destination in the USA, look no further than New York State. From beautiful waterfalls to charming small towns, New York State has anything and everything your heart desires. Starting from the City of Auburn, NY and ending in Buffalo, NY, this road trip will take you on a beautiful journey through the heart of the Empire State. The halfway point is Henrietta, NY - a small town with plenty to offer. This article will guide you through the top five things to do on this road trip adventure, along with some interesting facts to help you make the most of your journey.
Letchworth State Park: The Grand Canyon of the East
If you love hiking, beautiful scenery, and breathtaking waterfalls, Letchworth State Park is a must-visit destination. Known as the "Grand Canyon of the East," Letchworth State Park attracts over 800,000 visitors annually. The park covers over 14,000 acres and has over 66 miles of hiking trails. You can also take a hot air balloon ride and get a bird's eye view of the park. Letchworth State Park was voted as the #1 State Park in the USA by USA Today readers in 2015.
Interesting fact: Letchworth State Park was founded in 1906 and was named after William Letchworth, a philanthropist who donated the land to New York State.
Watkins Glen State Park: A Natural Wonder
Watkins Glen State Park is another must-visit destination on your road trip adventure. Located in the Finger Lakes Region, this state park is known for its natural beauty and breathtaking waterfalls. Walk through the gorge and experience the 19 waterfalls that cascade down the cliffs. The park offers plenty of picnic areas, hiking trails, and an Olympic-sized swimming pool. Watkins Glen State Park is a natural wonder that will leave you in awe.
Interesting fact: Watkins Glen State Park was the filming location of the famous moon landing scene in the movie "The Last American Hero" in 1973.
Corning Museum of Glass: A Glass Wonderland
If you're looking for something different on your road trip, visit the Corning Museum of Glass in Corning, NY. The museum is dedicated to glass art, science, and history. Take a tour through the museum and watch live glassblowing demonstrations. You can also participate in glassmaking workshops and create your own glass art. The museum also features an extensive glass collection, including glass art from ancient times to the present day.
Interesting fact: The museum has over 50,000 objects in its collection, making it one of the largest glass museums in the world.
Niagara Falls: The Iconic Waterfall
No road trip to New York State is complete without a visit to Niagara Falls. Located on the Niagara River and shared by both the USA and Canada, Niagara Falls is an iconic waterfall that attracts millions of visitors every year. Take a boat tour and experience the power of the falls up close. You can also take a helicopter ride for a spectacular view of the falls. Niagara Falls is truly a sight to behold.
Interesting fact: Niagara Falls is made up of three waterfalls: American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls. Horseshoe Falls is the largest of the three waterfalls.
Anchor Bar: Home of the Buffalo Wing
No road trip is complete without experiencing the local cuisine, and the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, NY is the perfect spot. The Anchor Bar is the birthplace of the Buffalo wing, the famous chicken wings that have become a staple of American cuisine. The original recipe was created by the owner, Teressa Bellissimo, in 1964. The Anchor Bar is the perfect place to grab some wings and a beer while on your road trip adventure.
Interesting fact: The Anchor Bar sells over 1,000,000 pounds of chicken wings annually.
Conclusion
This road trip adventure from Auburn to Buffalo will take you on a whirlwind tour of some of the best destinations New York State has to offer. From hiking at Letchworth State Park to exploring the natural wonder at Watkins Glen State Park, you'll experience breathtaking scenery and natural wonders. The Corning Museum of Glass offers a unique experience, and Niagara Falls is a must-visit destination for any New York State road trip. Finally, no trip to Buffalo is complete without a stop at the Anchor Bar, the birthplace of the Buffalo wing. This road trip will take you approximately 5 hours to complete, but it will provide you with memories that will last a lifetime.